Russia reacted angrily after Washington authorized Kiev to use its weapons. Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Andrey Kartapolov, the head of the defense committee of Russia's lower house, saying on Friday that if Ukraine uses US-supplied weapons to attack Russian territory, Moscow will respond accordingly.


Dmitry Medvedev, a top Russian security official, asserted that Russia was not bluffing about using strategic nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He warned that Russia's conflict with the West could escalate into an all-out war. Medvedev stated on his official Telegram channel that Moscow's conflict with the West is heading towards the worst-case scenario, and no one can rule out the possibility of it evolving into a global conflict.

Earlier on Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that NATO members were playing with fire by inciting attacks inside Russia using Western weapons, cautioning that this could escalate into a global conflict.

Speaking to reporters in Tashkent, Putin said, "Continued escalation of tensions can create a dangerous situation. Given our parity in strategic arms, how would the United States react if this dire consequence were to occur in Europe?"


Putin also mentioned that if Russia were to strike Ukraine, they would require Western satellites, intelligence, and military support, implicating the West directly in the war. He added that if France sends troops to Ukraine, it would be another step towards a global conflict.

Regarding NATO members in Europe, Putin stated they should be aware of the risks. He emphasized that their territories are much smaller and more densely populated, a factor they should consider before discussing strikes deep into Russian territory.

Earlier on Thursday, US officials announced that President Joe Biden had lifted the restrictions preventing Ukraine from using US weapons to attack Russian territory. However, this authorization is limited to ensuring the security of the Kharkiv region.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the president recently directed his team to ensure Ukraine could use US-supplied weapons to retaliate against attacks in the Kharkiv region. This policy change allows Ukraine to respond to Russian forces that attack or attempt to attack.

A second US official confirmed this shift in policy to Reuters. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted last Wednesday that President Biden might alter the policy.

Blinken, who visited Ukraine earlier this month, told reporters in Moldova on Wednesday that the US is adjusting its actions as the "battlefield has changed."

Ahead of the NATO meeting, Jens Stoltenberg, the head of the alliance, has repeatedly suggested that member states should reconsider the limitations imposed on attacking Russia.

Meanwhile, three people were killed in a Russian airstrike in Kharkiv shortly after the US policy change. The attack occurred just hours after the US authorized Ukraine to use American weapons against Russia.

In recent months, Russia has recaptured parts of Ukraine. Ukraine has been pressing for US permission to use longer-range weapons to strike Russian territory, but the US has previously refused, fearing that NATO might be drawn into a direct conflict with Moscow. However, these calculations appear to have changed after Russian forces launched a new operation in the Kharkiv region this month.